WAYNE COUNTY PARK DISTRICT

The Barnes Preserve

In 1999 the Wayne County Commissioners signed a 25 year lease for 76 acres from the Wayne County Care Center farm to be managed as a park by the Wayne County Park District. The parcel is located in sections 13 and 14 of Wooster Township, about 2 miles southeast of Wooster. It is bordered on the north by Secrest Road, on the west by Sylvan Road, and on the south by Ely Road. There is a hardwood forest on the parcel as well as open, formerly pastured fields. The main entrance is currently on Sylvan Road south of Secrest Road, where there is a small picnic area with parking. The preserve can be used for picnics, family and group outings, nature walks, bird watching and horseback riding.

The commissioners of the Wayne County Park District are currently considering a proposal to create bridle trails throughout the preserve and, eventually, a paved parking area where horse trailers could be parked. It is hoped that the Park District will be eligible for funds from the Ohio Department of Transportation in 2009 which would help underwrite the costs for the parking area.

Download Map (PDF)

Rules for the Barnes Preserve:

• Hours: dawn to dusk
• No motorized vehicles outside the entrance and parking areas
• Alcoholic beverages are permitted only with written approval from the park commissioners
• Removal of flora or fauna only with written permission from the park commissioners
• Excessive noise or disruptive behavior is not permitted